NEW DELHI/ CHANDIGARH:The Cabinet of Punjab on Monday approved the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stringent penalties for acts of sacrilege involving the Guru Granth Sahib.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the proposed legislation introduces a punishment framework ranging from a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment to life imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offence.
Under the draft provisions, fines between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh have been proposed for those convicted. The bill also mandates that investigations into such cases be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to ensure senior-level oversight.
According to the government, the amendment seeks to strengthen the legal mechanism to address incidents of beadbi (sacrilege) that have triggered public unrest in the state in recent years. The proposed law includes provisions aimed at identifying and prosecuting those who allegedly orchestrate such acts, in addition to the direct perpetrators.
The bill is expected to be tabled in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during the ongoing session. The government has expressed hope that the legislation will receive broad support from members across party lines.
Officials said the move is intended to create a stronger deterrent against attempts to disturb communal harmony and public order through desecration of the Sikh holy scripture.
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